Ezekiel Elliott DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Dallas Cowboys could draft a running back on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL draft on Friday night with one of their three picks, but that choice won't change the expectation that free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott will return to Dallas' backfield in 2024 to complement and help mentor a rookie. Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken is reporting that Elliott's signing with the Cowboys is increasingly imminent. Elliott's agent met with Dallas on Wednesday, and the Cowboys have been connected with the 28-year-old RB throughout the offseason. The Cowboys lost Tony Pollard to free agency this offseason but have Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. If Elliott were to return to Big D, he'll be in a complementary role and will be an RB3/flex, at best, in fantasy after putting up a career-low 3.5 yards per carry in 2023 with New England.

The Dallas Cowboys are currently meeting with free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott's representatives around the facility on Wednesday, a day before the start of the 2024 NFL draft, according to a source. There has been mutual interest from both sides in a reunion this offseason as the Cowboys look to bolster their running back position after losing Tony Pollard in free agency. As of right now, Dallas' RB room consists of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, Royce Freeman and Snoop Conner. The 28-year-old Elliott had 184 carries for 642 yards (career-low 3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding 51 catches for 313 yards and another two scores through the air in 17 games for the New England Patriots in 2023. At this point in his career, Zeke needs volume to be fantasy relevant, and that probably won't happen if he returns to Dallas.

Free-agent running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys may be headed toward a reunion. Elliott played for the New England Patriots during the 2023 NFL season, the only season of his nine-year career that he was not a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has a need at the running back position after they let Tony Pollard leave via free-agency, making Elliott a good fit to return to the team. Elliott ran for 642 yards and three touchdowns for the Pats last season while splitting the backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson. Depending on whether Dallas addresses the RB position in the NFL draft, Elliott would immediately have high-end RB3/flex value if he lands with his former team.

New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed 13 times for 54 yards during Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. He also caught five of seven targets for an additional 27 yards through the air. The veteran running back logged yet another start with Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) sidelined and maintained a key role as unfavorable weather conditions interrupted the passing attack. He was particularly impactful in PPR leagues where he added extra points for his five catches. He's headed for free agency where he'll likely earn a spot in a committee or split backfield.

New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott will continue to operate as the lead running back for Week 18 against the New York Jets with Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) sidelined. Elliott has produced inconsistent results on the ground this year, but his impressive pass-catching role and red-zone usage allow him to sneak into the RB2 tier for fantasy purposes. He remains a solid option this Sunday, especially with a strong Jets secondary and poor weather conditions likely prompting the Patriots to run more than pass. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Elliott in most formats.